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as he had formed a project for cutting off their retreat, by letting 

 large currents of water into the marshy ground on which the 

 Spaniards were encamped. Despairing of being able to succeed 

 against their city, now prepared to resist him, he returns towards 

 Arauco, most sorely galled by his disappointment, and thus venting 

 his anguish : 



What can redeem Lautaro's wounded name ? 

 What plea preserve his failing arms from shame ? 

 Did not my ardent soul this task demand, 

 Which now upbraids my unperforming hand ? 

 On me, on me alone can censure fall ; 

 Myself th' adviser and the guide of all. 



While, at the head of this my glittering train^ 

 I weakly threaten Spanish wails in vain. 

 Thrice has pale Cynthia, with replenish'd ray, 

 Seen my ill-order'd troop in loose array ; 

 And the rich chariot of the blazing sun 

 Has from the Scorpion to Aquarius run. 

 At last, as fugitives these paths we tread, 

 And mourn twice fifty brave companions dead. 

 Could Fate's kind hand this hateful stain efface, 

 Could death redeem me from this worse disgrace, 

 My useless spear should pierce this abject heart, 

 Which has so ill sustain'd a soldier's part. 

 Unworthy thought Î the mean, ignoble blow 

 Would only tempt the proud and vaunting foe 

 To boast that I preferr'd, in fear's alarm, 

 My own weak weapon to his stronger arm. 



By Hell I swear, which rules the sanguine strife, 

 If Chance allow me yet a year of life 

 I'll chase these foreign lords from Chili's strand, 

 And Spanish blood shall saturate our land. 

 No changing season, neither cold nor heat. 

 Shall make the firmer step of War retreat ; 

 Nor shall the earth, nor hell's expanding cave, 

 From this avenging arm one Spaniard save. 



Now the brave Chief, with solemn ardour, swore 

 To his dear native home to turn no more ; 

 From no fierce sun, no stormy winds to fly. 

 But patiently abide the varying sky, 

 And spurn all thoughts of pleasure and of ease, 

 Till rescu'd fame his tortur'd soul appease ; 



